ALLANDALE OFF-RAMP IMPROVEMENTS A BOOST FOR BUSINESS PARK

The development by Dis-Chem of a massive 29000sqm distribution centre at a key juncture just off the R101 in Midrand is indicative of the ongoing growth and popularity of this area among the business and industrial sector, says Jonathan Klimek, leasing, sales and investment broker for property services company, JHI.

“This huge distribution centre is situated at the Allandale off-ramp, which is currently being upgraded and widened to three lanes in each direction (ie six lanes in total) – an improvement which will considerably ease traffic congestion at this busy intersection.”

He says this also augurs well for the established Allandale Business Park, located on the corner of Morkel and Le Roux Roads directly opposite Dis-Chem. “Catering for light industrial businesses, the business park is centrally situated with good exposure to a key arterial road - the R101, or K101 as it is sometimes known. The improvement of the off-ramp at this major intersection makes access easier for tenants and staff, many of whom live in nearby residential areas such as Kempton Park, Kyalami, Fourways, Benoni, Boksburg, Krugersdorp and Roodepoort. In today’s world our need to rapidly transport goods – or simply get from A to B quickly, is often confounded by the realities of gridlocked traffic – particularly at key intersections, so this upgrade is of significant benefit to Allandale Business Park.”

JHI is currently marketing space in Allandale Business Park comprising warehousing and office accommodation, ranging in size from approximately 100-410sqm as well as in larger configurations of approximately 800-1200sqm through the consolidation of units to suit individual tenant requirements.“Rentals are very competitive at negotiable asking rates of R43 per square metre at 10 percent escalations. This location is ideal for distribution centres or any business where easy access to key routes is important. The business hub of Sandton is just 16km away while the city centres of Johannesburg and Pretoria are 33km and 38km respectively,” adds Klimek.

Given the hand they were dealt, government has performed a delicate balancing act which it is hoped will serve to reignite confidence in investment in South Africa, regain our global credibility and satisfy the credit ratings agencies, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

These days most buyers are using online property portals like Private Property when house hunting due to the convenience, up to date information and variety on offer. “The property portals have revolutionised the way buyers shop, but they do need to be cautious – viewing photos online is no replacement for viewing the property in person,” says Bruce Swain, CEO of Leapfrog Property Group.

Owning a home is a milestone that most South Africans aspire to. Becoming a homeowner is a step towards growing personal wealth and owning an asset that appreciates in value over time, provided of course that the correct principles are applied during the buying stage of the process, says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

The suburb of Greenstone in Johannesburg east came to be over the last two decades. “In the beginning, it was literally just a hill with not so much as a shopping centre,” says Michael Levy, Property Consultant at Jawitz Properties Bedfordview. Today it has plenty shopping facilities and is fully built, boasting high-density, upmarket housing and residential estates, though still has a few pockets poised for commercial development.

Possibly one of the biggest sources of contention between landlords and tenants surrounds the rental deposit. “Most tenants rely on getting their rental deposits back when moving, so that they can use it to pay a deposit on their new home. Having it withheld or even having large amounts deducted can lead to a lot of distress,” explains Bruce Swain, CEO of Leapfrog Property Group.